This summer, people interested in learning more about New Hampshire’s history will have the opportunity to participate in field schools taking place in each corner of the state.

Beginning in June and running through August, the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources is offering three distinctly different field schools through its State Conservation and Rescue Archaeology Program (SCRAP).

“This summer’s field schools will investigate the everyday lives of communities from the end of the ice age through the early twentieth century,” said Dr. Richard Boisvert, New Hampshire state archeologist and director of SCRAP. “From volunteers who are new to archaeology to students completing graduate degrees, everyone who participates will take away a new appreciation for those New Hampshire residents who’ve come before us.”

The Oyster River Environs Archaeology Project (OREAP) is already underway and taking place at the site of the Field-Bickford Garrison on Durham Point. This garrison was initially built prior to 1638 as a pioneer homestead, ordinary tavern and ferry landing. OREAP takes place over two two-week sessions, June 16-27 and June 30-July 11. There is no fee to participate, but a $35 donation to help defray the cost of supplies and instructional materials is requested. More information is available at www.oreap.org.

To the north, the 2008 SCRAP field school in prehistory will explore new areas of known Paleoindian sites and record information found at newly discovered sites in Jefferson and Randolph. This field school is co-sponsored by the Division of Historical Resources and Plymouth State University (PSU). Boisvert will direct all fieldwork and instruction, which will take place during two two-week sessions: June 23-July 3 and July 7-18. Both sessions are currently at capacity but space may become available to those wishing to obtain academic credit at the graduate or undergraduate level from PSU. More information is available at www.nh.gov/nhdhr/.

In the western corner of the state, the Division of Historical Resources is partnering with Antioch University to offer a historical archaeology field school at Pisgah State Park, an area considered important in local history because of early lumbering activities that took place there. Participants in this field school will survey, locate and map the Broad Brook Community (1840-1920s). This will be the first of many New Hampshire State Parks surveys that the Division will conduct in partnership with other state agencies and organizations. The two one-week sessions at Pisgah State Park run from July 29-August 1 and August 4-8. Again, there is no cost to participate, but volunteers are encouraged to donate $25 to help defray costs. More information is available at www.nh.gov/nhdhr/histarch.htm

Anyone interested in participating in any of the field schools must register in advance.

New Hampshire’s Division of Historical Resources, the “State Historic Preservation Office,” was established in 1974. The historical, archaeological, architectural and cultural resources of New Hampshire are among its most important environmental assets. Historic preservation promotes the use, understanding and conservation of such resources for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of New Hampshire’s citizens. For more information, visit www.nh.gov/nhdhr/ or call 603-271-3483.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos from previous SCRAP field schools are available for publication. Please contact Shelly Angers, 603-271-3136, shelly.angers@dcr.nh.gov.